from nj to highlands ranch!!! (Denver: low crime, how much, house) - Colorado (CO) - City-Data Forum

dtnach · 11-09-2009, 09:44 AM

hello, we picked up and moved our family from nj to highlands ranch in july. we just LOVE it here!!! we got tired of the cost of living in nj and after several months of research of deciding where would be the best place for us, we decided on highlands ranch. the weather is beautiful, the people are so nice, the schools are tops. we love the rec centers, and all the things to do in the denver area. we are very happy here. if you are reading this and deciding about whether to move here or not, we would highly recommend it!
to mcazbe--if you happen to read this, we would still like to meet up for that coffee!

mczabe · 11-09-2009, 10:19 AM

I saw the thread title and smacked my forehead about not getting back to you on the coffee. I'll dust off your message and we'll set something up!

But in response to the thread itself - we couldn't agree more! Best decision we ever made, although it was hard to take the plunge. I've gotten the impression there is less of a difference between other parts of the country and here, but in NJ there are NO rec centers, NO open spaces woven into neighborhoods, and a family-unfriendly vibe that you don't really pick up on until you've experienced what family-friendly feels like. Don't get me wrong - there are things I love about Jersey, but it's so much better here for raising kids while not a millionaire!

So glad you're happy with your move - and can't wait to meet you in person soon!

Mike from back east · 11-09-2009, 10:59 AM

How much help, if any, was this site to your moves? Thank you.

EscapeCalifornia · 11-09-2009, 11:20 AM

What other areas did you look at before deciding on Highlands Ranch and what were the deciding factors?

RickRN · 11-09-2009, 11:27 AM

Please don't encourage others to move. If you encourage to many so called unfriendly people from Jersey to move here(Highlands Ranch), it'll be like you never moved(away).

BTW, one thing you can't find in Highlands Ranch vs NJ, is a diner. Nothing beats a Jersey diner. Oh yeah, The Sopranos too.

TiffinyKC · 11-10-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickRN

Please don't encourage others to move. If you encourage to many so called unfriendly people from Jersey to move here(Highlands Ranch), it'll be like you never moved(away).

BTW, one thing you can't find in Highlands Ranch vs NJ, is a diner. Nothing beats a Jersey diner. Oh yeah, The Sopranos too.

I just had to say that your Sopranos reference was hilarious. Can you imagine Tony and Carmella in Colorado living? I needed a laugh, thanks for that!

BarryK123 · 11-10-2009, 06:45 PM

Look at the bright side - Highlands Ranch isn't too far from a toll road, so it will make you feel more like home

mczabe · 11-10-2009, 11:55 PM

But no toll collectors!!!

When I first landed in Denver, and my husband picked me up at DIA (he'd been out here a couple weeks ahead of me and the kids) he started chuckling on the drive home. I asked him what was so funny and he said, "Nothing." Then we got to the first toll booth. He rolled down the window and the sweetest woman I think I've ever met leaned out of the booth and informed us of the price. DH paid and she said something about us "just having ourselves a great day" with this huge smile.

My jaw dropped to the floor. Then just to mess with me, at the next booth, DH asks the equally lovely toll collector directions to some random place. She must have spent a full minute making sure we knew exactly where we were going and assured us we'd love it. For point of reference, most toll booths in NJ have some ripped, faded sign under the window with barely legible directions to nearby destinations. If you ask, you get a grunt and a finger pointing to the sign - and the person behind you will actually give you the finger for holding up the line. (no, I exaggerate a bit on that last one...a bit.)

He just looked at me and said, "Babe, we ain't in Joisey any more."

dtnach · 11-11-2009, 07:48 AM

hi everyone, thanks for your replys, they are cracking me up! to rickrn, you dont have to worry about the miserable people of nj following us out here. the miserable people of nj love being miserable in nj and arent leaving. to mczabe, the exact thing happened to us on the way home from the airport! my husband also picked me and the kids up, and we both started just laughing when we went through our first toll at how nice the collector was! also, send me a direct message and we will set that coffee up! to mikefromback east, yes, the site was very helpful, it was interesting hearing peoples opinions of different places we were considering. to escapefromca, we looked at virginia and the carolinas, but they just werent a good fit for all of us. we wanted great schools, a masterplanned community, low crime, and we wanted seasons which ruled out a couple of masterplanned communities in warmer states. highlands ranch had all of that. thanks everyone!

aroseon711 · 11-11-2009, 10:20 AM

Thank you for posting this. We are seriously considering moving out there next year. One minute I am 100% sure of our decision and one minute I get cold feet. We are in northern CA. It's a great place to grow up, but not so good to raise a family. We visited Highlands Ranch and fell in love, for all the reasons you listed. The people are so friendly in Colorado. I know our quality of life would be so much better. The snow makes me nervous, but it would also be so exciting and much better than the fog that hovers over my house day after day!!! See you next year!